Mercury's Griner comes out as gay

The Sports Xchange

The SportsXchange•April 18, 2013

Brittney Griner acknowledged Wednesday that she is gay. The three-time All-America center at Baylor is now embarking on a professional career with the Phoenix Mercury, after the team made her the first overall pick in Monday's draft. She said during a group interview with SI.com that she has previously discussed her sexuality, but this appears to be the first time she's addressed the matter publicly. The group, which also included Elena Delle Donne and Skylar Diggins, the Nos. 2 and 3 picks, respectively, was asked, why coming out is more accepted in women's sports. "I really couldn't give an answer on why that's so different," Griner told SI.com. "Being one that's out, it's just being who you are. Again, like I said, just be who you are. "Don't worry about what other people are going to say, because they're always going to say something, but, if you're just true to yourself, let that shine through. Don't hide who you really are." Griner said her stature as a prominent athlete didn't factor into her decision to come out. "It really wasn't too difficult," she said. "I wouldn't say I was hiding or anything like that. I've always been open about who I am and my sexuality. So, it wasn't hard at all. If I can show that I'm out and I'm fine and everything's OK, then hopefully the younger generation will definitely feel the same way." Griner totaled 3,283 points during a four-year Baylor career, second all-time in women's NCAA history to Southwest Missouri State's Jackie Stiles. She also had a record 18 dunks. She told USA Today on draft day that her parents gave her the courage to open up about being gay. "My parents didn't know at the time," Griner told the paper. "I hadn't come out completely. It was kind of like, you know ... I just hadn't said it. My dad and my mom have always told me 'be who you are.' At the time, they probably weren't sure what I was interpreting that as," she said with a laugh.